In 1984, he founded 'Prathiroopi', an outfit that has since, designed production sets for theatre, television soaps, films and stage events predominantly mainly in Karnataka.
Adapa also had led teams of artistes in major events that feature showcasing the art, culture and history of Karnataka.
A total of 42 toys including 30 giant sized ones and four fitted with battery for rotation formed part of the tableau.
[6] For 2017, he led a team that designed a tableau based on the folklore theme, showcasing five major arts — dance of the Goravas, Veeragase, Kamsale, Dollu Kunitha and Somana Kunita[7] Having worked in films since the 1980s, Adapa is a frequent collaborator of filmmakers T. S. Nagabharana, Girish Kasaravalli, T. N. Seetharam.
His work in Kannada films include Sankranthi (1989), Chinnari Mutha (1993), Nagamandala (1997), Kanooru Heggadithi (1999), Deveeri (1999), Singaaravva (2003), Gaalipata (2008) and Kendasampige (2015).